The Power of Small Steps

A mother’s resolution: I will always protect the rights of my children, especially their right to remain silent.

“Sacrifices” is the theme of our Parsha, “Vayikra.” The Chasidic masters have taught that the greatest sacrifices are from within man.

The more I observe myself and the world around me I come to realize that it is easier to make large changes in our lifestyle than to make small ones.

Let’s study the nature of relationships: We find that huge commitments such as marriage, or bringing a child into the world, are somewhat expected of us. From every walk of life, people plunge directly into these changes without looking back.

However, small sacrifices always seem to be a burden, a nuisance. ‘Sacrificing’ a mere five minutes a day to that same child/spouse he/she so wholeheartedly chose “to care and nurture for the rest of my life”, seems impossible.

The same ‘phenomenon’ can be found in our relationship with G-d. Many of us, especially those who have grown up in observant homes, almost subconsciously commit ourselves to never eat a McDonalds French-fries even once, to not work one day a week, and pray every day, three times daily… FOREVER!

Huge sacrifices, no?

Yet when expected to utilize the very same time which has been designated for prayer - to pray with emotion and sincerity - not to simply mumble the text, to go through the motions of habit… suddenly we seem to fall from our high standards.

Why? Where is the hero who never missed a day of Teffilin? Where is that holy “give-my-life-away” individual, who sports a beard and hat, and spends two plus hours a day in the synagogue instead of socializing? Why can’t he concentrate during his prayers?

True, big commitments are commendable. But ‘greatness’ is found in the small steps, those which don’t make us feel like a heroic “prince in shiny armor”, and (for some reason) don’t make us feel overly ‘guilty’ when avoided or transgressed.

Take this smart mother’s resolution to heart: I will be a good, fair and loving parent to my children. I will provide them with enriching experiences and opportunities. I will give them a solid foundation on which to build a useful life. After all, they may eventually be responsible for choosing a nursing home for me to live out my final days.